Wednesday

Jun 5, 2019 at 5:52 PMJun 6, 2019 at 7:20 AM

BEREA — Odell Beckham Jr.'s reunion with the Browns has rejuvenated his excitement about his new team.

After skipping the vast majority of the voluntary offseason workout program that began April 1, Beckham reported to Browns headquarters Monday for mandatory minicamp. He addressed media after Wednesday's practice, the second of this week's three sessions, and couldn't hide his enthusiasm.

"I do see a lot of potential with this team, and not even just because I'm here," Beckham said. "I really feel it, and I feel something in the air, something special that Cleveland hasn't had for a while. And I'm happy to be a part of that. I hope that I can help do whatever I need to do to push that that way."

Beckham expressed confidence he'll absorb coach Freddie Kitchens' playbook and build chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield without much trouble. He plans to work out regularly with Mayfield in Los Angeles this summer.

He also notices the pieces falling into place for the entire team. He became a vital part of it all when Browns General Manager John Dorsey acquired him March 12 by pulling off a blockbuster trade with the New York Giants.

"I’m almost giddy," said Beckham, a three-time Pro Bowl selection. "I feel like a little kid with the excitement that I have, seeing Baker, seeing these guys. You know we talk a lot about this offense, but this defense is something special, and this team is really coming together.

"I’m beyond excited about the opportunity I have here to start over, a new team. Obviously, the goal is always going to be the same — to hang banners. That’s what you play this game for. We know we got a lot of expectations. We got a lot of work to do, and I think we’ll get there."

Beckham, 26, explained why he skipped the team's three-day voluntary veteran minicamp in late April and participated in just one of nine OTA practices last month.

"Everybody knows their body," Beckham said. "I know my body better than anybody else, so I know what it takes to get me in top physical condition, mental, all of those things. This isn’t my first rodeo. It’s not my first go-round. I just know what it takes to get there.

"Coach [Kitchens] and I have a different plan than everybody else. We talked and communicated throughout the offseason, so he knew my whereabouts and when I’d be here and when I wouldn’t be. So everybody kind of knew the game plan, and I was just taking my time easing back into it. The good thing about it is we play in September."

Beckham had been vacationing throughout the world and training on his own in Los Angeles. But Kitchens pointed out Beckham had also been learning the playbook on his own because he had access to it on his iPad.

"I have always heard from the people that I trust that Odell is a good guy and he works his ass off," Kitchens said. "If he does that, he's going to be successful."

Eyes on prize

Last month, Beckham made national headlines when he told GQ Magazine, "I plan on being [in Cleveland] for the next five years and trying to bring as many championships there as possible, turning [the Browns] into the new [New England] Patriots."

On Wednesday, Beckham shared a story to illustrate his hunger for a title. He said when he played sixth-grade basketball in New Orleans, he made a half-court shot in a championship game, but the officials didn't count what he thought should have been a buzzer-beater.

"They called it off," he said. "They told me it was no good, and I remember crying that entire night. I want to win. I want to be a champion."

The memory is related to his dream of duplicating the Patriots dynasty.

"Who wouldn't aspire to be the Patriots?" Beckham said. "Who wouldn't want to be an 11-5, 12-4 team, win the division, go to the AFC Championship every single year, win your division, go to the championship, go to the Super Bowl? I don't know why else you got in this game. I didn't get in this game to get money or anything like that. I got in this game to be a champion. All my life, I've never really been a champion."

He's also only been to the playoffs once in five NFL seasons — the Giants lost in the wild-card round to wrap up their 2016 season — and promised he's willing to sacrifice individual statistics for team success.

"I’m ready to get back to the playoffs," he said, "and show what I can do."

No bad blood

Although Beckham insists he's primarily driven by his quest for a title, there are other sources of fuel. In late April, he wrote on Twitter he felt disrespected by the Giants in the aftermath of the trade, and he admitted Wednesday being shipped away by them — a development he said he could feel coming — motivates him.

"It was the rookie symposium I went to, and I remember [Hall of Fame receiver] Cris Carter telling his story about his career and all these things that happened and how he got cut and it was the best thing that happened to him," Beckham said.

"I was like, 'If I ever got cut or traded, not to say it’s going to be the best thing that ever happened to me, but it’s going to motivate me to be better.' This is a business. There’s no any bad blood or anything like that. [The Giants] made a decision that was best for them. I think it’s best for me."

Beckham's experience with the Browns is certainly in its infancy, and he likened himself to the new kid at school. For instance, he tries to eat lunch with someone different every day as he makes friends.

Comfort is essential for Beckham. As a mega-celebrity, the attention he receives can be stressful.

"I feel like I’m in a way different position than anybody else in the NFL," he said. "I feel like I deal with more."

At the same time, Beckham said he feels as if he belongs with the Browns, who employ his close friend and fellow Louisiana State University product Jarvis Landry and former LSU and Giants receivers coach Adam Henry.

"Mentally, physically, spiritually, I've gone to a different place," Beckham said. "For the people that know me, they know I'm in a place I’ve never been in — in my entire life — and I’m just happy with where I am."

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read his Browns coverage at www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ByNateUlrich and on Facebook www.facebook.com/abj.sports.

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